We think: The outcome of the Nov. 4 election won't spell progress for everyone

What we think

October 3, 2008|By copper

In fewer than five weeks, millions across the nation will brim with pride, having witnessed the election of the nation's first black president or its first female vice president.

But there's ample room for Americans to also feel shame. An AP-Yahoo poll last week suggested the election's outcome may be determined not by whether voters believe Barack Obama or John McCain is better prepared to become president, but by whether voters prefer the color of a candidate's skin.

Six years after former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott shocked the public by saying the U.S. would be better off had segregationist Strom Thurmond become president, it turns out many among the public believe the nation would be better off if a black man -- any black man -- didn't become president.

In Mr. Obama's case, we're not talking about folks saying they won't vote for him because of his positions on Iraq, health care or the courts.

The poll found that about 6 percent won't vote for him simply because he's black.

We don't know exactly how much rubbish also gets in the way of some folks judging candidates based on their gender. Sixty-three percent in a CBS poll in June said they'd someday like to see a woman become president. And the other 37 percent? It's uncertain how many of them wouldn't vote for a woman, no matter what.

What's certain is the outcome of next month's election won't mark progress for all.